City’s loan rangers suffered a reduced fixture list this week, as many leagues took a break for the internationals and others fell victim to the British winter weather.

The 18-year-old returns to Blackburn Rovers for their Championship clash with Blackpool on Saturday under caretaker boss Gary Bowyer, after the Ewood Park club parted ways with Michael Appleton last week.

The Iron have now drifted into the relegation places, but Eirik is keen to benefit from his experience at Glanford Park.

He told the Scunthorpe Telegraph: "I just want to get some games under my belt, some proper league games rather than Under-21 games," said Johansen, who has yet to make a senior appearance for the reigning Premier League champions.

"I want to bring all the experience I get from that into my game and kick on from there.

"It is a little bit different football here. At City we play a little bit more possession, keep the ball and if it's not on, come round and start building up again. Here, it was a little bit more direct.

"As a goalie wanting to come out on loan, I want to experience that different side of it and go a little bit more direct.

"It's a little tougher because we're playing against men rather than teenagers.

"I think it will be very good for me to experience this side of the game."

Roque Santa Cruz was surprisingly omitted from the Paraquay squad for their World Cup qualifiers. Wayne Bridge, Jeremy Helan and Mohammed Abu also had a break from match action this week as they wait for their leagues to resume after the international interlude.